By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
Kenya, January 10, 2026 - Mandera County Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has pushed back against remarks by some politicians accusing county governments of squandering devolved resources without building lasting public institutions. Speaking during the recognition of the county water department, the governor said such claims ignore the broader national context, noting that many scandals have occurred across Kenya in the past without attracting similar public outrage or scrutiny.
He emphasised that devolution was designed to bring services closer to the people and strengthen local institutions, adding that counties like Mandera have continued to invest in critical sectors despite operating under difficult conditions. Governor Khalif also faulted remarks made by some Members of Parliament regarding national schools, where leaders from the North Eastern region were accused of misusing Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources meant for education.
He dismissed the claims, noting that many national schools in parts of Central Kenya were established during the colonial period and not through CDF allocations. The governor warned that such statements risk fuelling division and undermining national cohesion, urging leaders to refrain from inflammatory remarks and instead focus on promoting unity and strengthening national harmony.
He further called on Members of Parliament to remain vigilant and actively fight for the rights and interests of the people they represent, particularly in marginalised regions.
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Mandera Senator Ali Roba echoed the governor’s sentiments, stating that if decades of heavy national government investment in other parts of the country were removed from the equation, very little would compare to what Northern Kenya has achieved solely through devolution.
He noted that devolution has enabled historically marginalised regions to build critical infrastructure and institutions long denied to them, demonstrating the transformative impact of devolved governance when resources are managed locally. Senator Roba stressed that lawmakers have a responsibility to defend public resources, ensure accountability, and advocate for equitable development, rather than engaging in statements that undermine devolution.
The remarks come amid renewed national debate on the use of devolved funds and the performance of county governments across the country.
